June 14-23, 2023
From $2690 per person | $150 early registration discount
On this bridge-building pilgrimage, the youth of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Carlisle, PA will connect with their counterparts at the Carlisle Cathedral in Carlisle, England. They will build friendships through music, worship, and the outdoors. From Carlisle, the youth will journey to historic Lindisfarne, one of the oldest Christian communities in England, where they will nourish their own souls in the traditions of Celtic spirituality. From here, the pilgrimage winds up in Edinburgh for more history, spirituality, and fun. Click on the grey headings for more details of each day. This itinerary provides a glance at what you can expect in your 10-day pilgrimage; schedule may be adjusted for guide availability and efficiency.
Wednesday, June 14, 2023 | Depart
Those flying together will fly from Washington-Dulles direct to Edinburgh, Scotland on United flight 978, departing at 10:35pm.
Thursday, June 15, 2023 | Arrival, transfer to Carlisle
After arriving in Edinburgh at 10:45am, the group will travel by private motorcoach to Carlisle, England, stopping along the way at New Lanark, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of an 18th century cotton mill village alongside the River Clyde. Arrive in Carlisle for dinner (included) and overnight accommodations.
Those traveling separately should plan to meet the group at the Edinburgh airport at 11am today.
Friday, June 16, 2023 | Carlisle
This morning, the youth will have a tour of Carlisle Cathedral in the morning and learn more about the history and contemporary ministry of the congregation. The afternoon is free for activities to be planned with the youth of Carlisle Cathedral. Dinner (included) and overnight in Carlisle.
Saturday, June 17, 2023 | Hiking Hadrian’s Wall
Youth from both congregations will set out today for a guided hike along Hadrian’s wall and the scenic Lakes District of northern England. Return to Carlisle in the evening for dinner (included) and overnight accommodations.
Sunday, June 18, 2023 | Worship in Carlisle, visit Durham Cathedral
After worship at Carlisle Cathedral, the youth will head to Durham to learn the story of St. Cuthbert, one of the founders of the Lindisfarne monastery, and how that community was impacted by Viking raids in the 9th and 10th centuries. Conclude the day in Newcastle for dinner (included) and overnight accommodations.
Monday, June 19, 2023 | Newcastle United, Lindisfarne
The youth will start the day with a bit of fun during a private tour of the Newcastle United football stadium. From there, they head up the coast to Lindisfarne. Weather and tides permitting, the youth will walk the pilgrim’s path onto the Holy Isle. In the afternoon, a mini-retreat will introduce the youth to the traditions and practices of Celtic Christianity. Dinner (included) and overnight on Lindisfarne.
Tuesday, June 20, 2023 | Lindisfarne
Today the youth will dive further into the history and spirituality on Lindisfarne with visits to the castle, priory, and Parish Church of St. Mary the Virgin. Dinner (included) and overnight on Lindisfarne.
Wednesday, June 21, 2023 | Edinburgh
From Lindisfarne, the youth will head north to Edinburgh for some history and fun. They will tour Edinburgh Castle and the National Museum of Scotland. Lunch today is included. Afternoon activities are still being coordinated with your pastor and youth leaders. Dinner (on your own) and overnight in central Edinburgh.
Thursday, June 22, 2023 | Edinburgh
We conclude our pilgrimage with another mini-retreat on Celtic Christianity, followed by free-time in Edinburgh. Close the trip with a celebratory group dinner (included) and overnight in central Edinburgh.
Friday, June 23, 2023 | Return Home
The group will have an airport transfer to Edinburgh Airport for their 12:30pm departure, direct to Washington-Dulles, arriving at 3:30pm the same day.
COVID Precautions: Progressive Pilgrimage follows the guidelines of the CDC. Please visit their website for the most up-to-date international travel recommendations. Currently the CDC says it is safe for vaccinated people to travel internationally without testing or quarantine. Progressive Pilgrimage requires travelers to be vaccinated. Some indoor locations may require masks. Please view our full COVID-19 policy.
What’s Included
Round-trip Airfare (optional) |
 Ground Transportation |
 Breakfast daily, 3 lunches, 7 dinners |
 Three-Star Hotels |
 Expert Local Guides |
 Entrance Fees |
 Gratuity for Drivers and Guides |
 Pre-trip Educational Resources |
Price, Deadlines, and Insurance
Trip price is $3925 per person including round-trip airfare on United between Washington-Dulles and Edinburgh.
A land-only price of $2,690 per person is available for those who wish to purchase their own airfare separately from the group.
An early registration discount of $150 is available for all registrations received by December 31, 2022 and will be automatically applied to your final balance.
A deposit of $500 is required at the time of registration. For members of St. John’s this is payable to the church. For members of Mt. Zion, the registration fee can be paid to Progressive Pilgrimage by credit card at the time of registration.
Registration deadline is February 1, 2023.
Final payment is due April 1, 2023.
Insurance: Travel insurance is available through Progressive Pilgrimage and is underwritten by Allianz, but we encourage you to compare insurance options. Coverage details are available here. If you are interested, please select the insurance option on your registration form and we will contact you to provide a customized insurance quote.